Arlo Compatibility: Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and More

Arlo security cameras are some of our favorite smart home security options because they work with more platforms than the competition. We explore what platforms Arlo works with, how to set integrations up, and some things to try once everything's ready.

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The Arlo Skill links your Arlo account to Alexa and works with every Arlo device.

1. Download the Alexa app for your smartphone.
2. Select the More tab on the menu bar.
3. Choose Skills & Games from the menu and search for Arlo.
4. Tap Enable to use.
5. Put in your Arlo account details.
6. After linking your account, you can assign locations and names for your cameras, which you use to interact with the cameras using voice commands.

You can also access the camera settings from the Alexa app, but there isn't an option to watch videos. So the Arlo app is essential for viewing videos on your phone.

*None of Arlo's current products support changing the light color exclusive to the discontinued Arlo Security Light.

Check out our Alexa guide to learn more.

You use the Apple Home app to add your Arlo devices, but the process is a bit different than other brands since you need a HomeKit setup code:

1. Launch the Apple Home app after setting up your Arlo cameras and base station in the Arlo app.
2. Choose + and Add Accessory from the menu.
3. Use your phone to scan the HomeKit code on your base station—it's also in the manual.
   1. If you can't find the setup code, you can also link your base station to HomeKit from the Arlo app.
4. Follow the instructions to add the device to your home.

Unlike Alexa and Google, Apple doesn't have a list of Siri commands online to help you know what works. Still, we managed to find a few commands in Arlo's support articles that you can use.  

Check out our HomeKit guide to learn more.

To link Arlo with Google Assistant, you'll need to download the Google Home app, but the process is similar to Alexa's:

1. Download the Google Home app.
2. Hit the + icon in the top left corner.
3. Select Set up device from the list—it should be the first item.
4. Choose the Works with Google option and search for Arlo.
5. Enter your Arlo account details to authorize the integration.
6. Assign cameras to rooms, and you're good to go.

You can have the Google Home app send notifications from your cameras, but you still need the Arlo app to view videos on your phone.

Check out our Google Assistant guide to learn more.

IFTTT is a hidden gem for maximizing smart home compatibility—it's an online automation service you can link with hundreds of other products, including Arlo. Most of these services aren't officially compatible with Arlo under normal circumstances, but IFTTT's specialty is bringing products together in surprising ways:

• Turn on lights: Turn on your Philips Hue smart lighting when your Arlo starts recording or detects motion if you want to deter intruders or light a path at night.
• Log data: Create a Google Docs spreadsheet to automatically log Arlo's battery life or motion events to help you plan when to charge or schedule your camera.
• Anticipate visitors: Automatically pause Spotify music streaming when Arlo spots movement, so you know when someone's coming up the front steps.
• Remember meetings: Activate Arlo Pro 4's spotlight when you have a Zoom meeting to attend because we all have days when we need an extra reminder.

Here's everything Arlo can do in an IFTTT applet.

The biggest issue with IFTTT is that you can't create more than five custom applets (routines) without paying a monthly fee for IFTTT Pro or Pro+. This means free users need to scour the library of published applets in hopes of finding one that works perfectly.

Honestly, it's way easier to create a custom applet, but the limitations on the free plan aren't for everyone. IFTTT Pro+ is powerful but more useful for diehard hobbyists than the average user.

Check out our IFTTT guide to learn more.

Samsung SmartThings links your Arlo camera to other SmartThings-compatible devices in much the same way as IFTTT does. Unfortunately, SmartThings requires an Arlo base station to work, so we don't recommend it for stand-alone cameras like the Arlo Pro 4 unless you want to pay a premium.

Still, it's a great option for folks with an Arlo hub and SmartThings gear to add some cameras into the mix. We like the idea of linking Arlo cameras with contact sensors to record whenever someone opens the front door. Or you could try a siren for something more startling.

Once you link your Arlo account to SmartThings, you can use every Arlo device (except the Arlo Audio Doorbell and Arlo Go) in smart home routines via the SmartThings app. We recommend following Arlo's instructions for linking to SmartThings for the smoothest transition.

This integration has some quirks—you control almost everything through the SmartThings app while the Arlo app stays in SmartThings Mode. The only Arlo setting you can't change in SmartThings is the motion sensitivity of your cameras, and you'll need the Arlo app for full access to your library of recordings.

As with many smart home integrations, using Arlo with SmartThings isn't always foolproof. We came across multiple reports of cameras not working correctly but haven't had a chance to test Arlo with SmartThings yet. We think SmartThings has more potential than other smart home platforms, so it's worth trying out if you want richer options than viewing a smart security camera on an Echo or Nest Hub.

Check out our SmartThings review to learn more.

Yes, but you have to set up the Assistant PIN feature first.

All wireless Arlo cameras (including Arlo Pro 4) are compatible with the following base station models:

• VMB5000
• VMB4540
• VMB4500
• VMB4000

The VMB3000 and VMB3500 base stations aren't compatible with newer Arlo cameras.

Newer Arlo cameras (except the Arlo Ultra 2) connect directly to Wi-Fi and don't require a base station unless you want local video storage, improved battery life, and compatibility with Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. Older cameras still need a base station and usually include it in a starter kit.

While Arlo is part of the Matter smart home standard, it doesn't have specific compatibility yet.

Arlo just announced a security system at CES 2022 that uses all-in-one sensors to detect motion, open windows, light, temperature, and smoke alarm sirens. There's no specific release date yet.

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